Magnesium die casting machine with continuous magnesium feed



April 15, 1958 L. H. MORIN MAGNESIUM DIE CASTING MACHINE WITH CONTINUOUS MAGNESIUM FEED 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fil'ed Feb. l. 1956 INVENTOR. Louis H. MORIN ATTORNEY.

April 15, 1958 L. H. MORIN 2,830,340

MAGNESIUM DIE CASTING MACHINE WITH CONTINUOUS MAGNESIUM FEED Filed Feb. l, 1956 2 Sheets-5heet 2 w IIa- INI N -5 3; I i

I I kg [lg m ,|rl Q I 0 i9 It U M f-l III |l n l@ L\ u K9 INVENTOR. a LOUIS H. MORIN g United States MAGNESIUM DEE CASTING MACHINE WITH CNTINUUS MAGNESIUM FEED Louis H. Morin, Bronx, N. Y.

Application February 1, 1956, Serial No. 562,717

4 Claims. (Cl. 22--71) eliminating the possibility of forming oxidation of the metal and resulting in the production of perfect castings.

Still more particularly, the invention deals with a continuous feed of the character described, including electric and governor controls for the feed and replacement of metal in the melting pot of the casting machine.

As a still further adaptation of the invention, means is provided for maintaining the pot in fixed position, while providing means which facilitates swinging movement of the discharge gooseneck in thepot and, at the same time,` maintaining a substantial seal of the pot.

The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description, when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed and, in which, the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views and, in which:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic sectional View through one form of pot construction which I employ, illustrating the feed of magnesium into the pot.

Fig. la is a view of part of the mechanism of Fig. l in detached relationship, showing, in detail, the structure of the electrical and governor control of the magnesium feed.

Fig. 2 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, showing only part of the construction and showing a modication; and

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of part of the construction shown in Fig. 2, for the most part, detached.

In Fig. l of the drawing, I have shown, at 10, the melting pot of a magnesium die casting machine, the pot including a gooseneck portion 11, from which the metal of the pot is discharged through suitable plunger valve control means 12 actuated by a plunger 13, which opcrates in a vertical sleeve 14. At the base of the sleeve 14 is a top plate portion 15, constituting part of the top wall 16 of the pot.

At the upper discharge end of the gooseneck Ill is a nozzle 17, through which molten metal is discharged into the cavity 18 of a pair of dies, one of which is indicated at 19. The cavity 18, in the construction shown, is shapedl to form what is generally known as a winged nut, the nut being formed on a core pin 2) utilized to remove the :asting from the dies, as well as to form a bore in the zody of the casting, as will be apparent.

Supporting the sleeve 14 is an offset arm 2l, having a iivot, as at 22, for swinging movement of the pot to move he nozzle 17 toward and from the surface of the die in he intermittent production of die castings. A radius of movement of the pot is indicated by the radial line 23 and he curved line 24, the latter being later described.

2,830,346 Patented Apr. 15, 1958 In Fig. l of the drawing, l have indicated, in part, at 25 a small portion of the heater casing, in which the pot 10 is movably supported, but as lthis casing is old and forms no part of the invention, a limited showing is made, as well as no further description. The above described structure of the pot and associated parts is generally known in the art and, therefore, no further detailed description is deemed to be necessary, as the present invention is concerned primarily with the continuous automatic feed of magnesium to the pot 10 to maintain a l substantially predetermined level 26 of molten magnesium in the pot.

For initial charge of magnesium to the pot to establish Y the initial level 26, an opening 27 is provided in the top wall 16, the opening being controlled by a cover 2S having a free hinge, as at 29, and a handle member Y3() to lfacilitate raising and lowering of the cover.

rthe top wall 16 of the pot includes a rounded wall opening 31, the center of which is crossed by the curved line 24 of the radius 23, as diagrammatically noted and, at 32, is shown a source of magnesium supply in the form of a long ingot. This ingot will have a diameter and outer wall iinish which will fit snugly but freely in the rounded Wall aperture 31, so that, in the swinging movement of theV pot 1t), the pot will ride freely over the ingot and prevent any jamming of the pot thereon. The ingot is freely suspended to automatically shift its angularity.

At this time, it will be pointed out that the entire movement of the pot is slight and suicient only to clear the nozzle 17 from the surface of the die, thus preventing overheating of the die or, in other words, facilitating the normal cooling action of the die in the interim between the successive injection charges of metal into the cavity of the die.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that a substantial seal is provided to the chamber 33 of the pot above the level 26 of molten metal in the pot. Into gas through a pipe 34 is arranged kin the plate dation of the heated magnesium. At 35 I have shown,

mounted in the plate 15, a pyrometer, which extends` downwardly into the metal of the pot for the purpose of controlling and regulating the temperature of the metal forms no direct part of this 1nvent1on.

For control of the feed of the ingot 32 in replenishing the supply of magnesium to the pot consistent with consumption thereof in the formation of die castings, an automatic feed control and governing mechanism is employed, which is diagrammatically shown in detail in Fig. la of the drawing. A long chain 36 is provided, the chain having, at one end, a cap or coupling 37 for attachment to the upper end of an ingot, as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. l of the drawing, the chain having, at its opposed end, a handle member, or ball 38, note Fig. la.

The chain 36 passes around a sprocket 39 rotatable about a suitably supported shaft 4l), to which is fixed a ratchet 41. The sprocket has xed thereto a pawl 42 normally urged by a spring 43 into engagement with the ratchet 41. It will, thus, be seen that, as the weight of the ingot 32 tends to move the chain 36 downwardly in the direction of the arrow 44, Fig. la, the shaft 40 will be rotated through the pawl and ratchet construction to rotate the shaft 40, as well as a large gear 45 fixed is a governor shaft 47 having a pinion 48 meshing with aeeoeo 3 the gear 45. Also mounted in the shaft 47 is a double governor blade 49 extending radially in opposed directions, as indicated. The blade 49, in rotating at high speedsand operating against atmosphere, operatesto break or retard downward movement of the ingot 32 when released for replacement feed by means, as later described. Also secured on the shaft A7^is a brakedrum 50.

Mountedon a suitably supported-stud 51 is a lever 52,10 one end of which is pivoted, as seen at 53, a brakeshoe 54; the otherend of the lever is pivoted, as seen at 55, to theY outer end of a pole piece 56 of an electrical solenoid 457. At 58 and 59, I have diagrammatically indicatedthe circuit wires to the solenoid, in which wires I have shown suitable circuit making and breakingmeans,

diagrammatically at 60, and this means, for illustrative purposes, can be in the form of a microswitch, as noted inl-iig. 1 of the drawing, the contact 61 of which is adjustably supportedupon an arm 62 fixed to a shaft 6'3. The shaft 63 is mounted in the pot 10 and extends into the chamber 33 above the level 26 of molten metal and secured to the shaft63 within the pot is a float arm 64, to the free end portion of which is coupled a float 65. At thistime, it is pointed out that the arm 62, as well as the switch 60, is preferably disposed in wide spacedrelationship to thepot, so as to prevent any excessive heating of the switch and suitable insulations may be provided to accomplish this end. The. float 65 is preferably constructed of armaterial which will not be attacked bythe heated magnesium and will be preferably made hollow and, accordingly, will be a material lighter than the magnesium. Graphite, or other similar materials, may be used.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that, after the pot 10 has been initially filled with magnesium to a level substantially as at 26 in Fig. l of the drawing, the chain 36 will be operated through the medium of the ball 38 to rotate the sprocket 39 in the direction opposite to the arrow 46, bringing the coupling cap 37 `up closely adjacent to the control mechanism or, in other words, adjacent the shaft 40. In this operation, the pawl 42 rotates freely around theratchet 41, the shaft remaining stationary. An ingot 32 is then passed downwardly through the opening 31 and is extended into the chamber 33 to a position adjacent the level 26, after which, the upper end of the ingotis secured to the coupling 37.

With the parts in thisposition, it is assumed rthatthe float will be in its raised position, thus energizing the solenoid, resulting in positive engagement of the brakeshoe 54 with the'brakedrum 50, thus holding or `checking the gear against rotation. As the level 26 of magnesium drops in the potltl to a point sufficient to break the circuit to the solenoid, this operation will release the brakeshoefrom the drum and allow the ingot 32 to move downwardly, which downward movement is checked toa slow downward feed movement by operation of the governor blades 49 which will rotate at high speed. As the ingot extends into the molten metal mass, the level of the molten metal `will rise to the level which again closes the circuit bytraising the lloat which, in turn, will againrapply the brakeshoe 54 and check further downward movement ofthe ingot. This operation will intermittently be performed in replenishing the supply of metal to the pot, consistent with consumption of the metal in the formation of castings. When the long ingot is aboutlconsumed, the remaining short portion is detached from the coupling 37 and can either be dropped into the pot `or disposed of for re-melting, after which,

the chain36' is again raised and a new ingot mounted in position and secured to the coupling 37. In this change ofoperation, the new ingot can be `on hand for quick insertion into the opening 31 or, if desired, a temporary cover piece can beplaced over the opening to avoid excessive discharge of the inert gas during this operation.

iii.

At this time, it might be said that the gas is maintained at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure.

In Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing, I have shown a slight modification, in which all of the mechanism of Fig. la will be employed, as well as part of the mechanism of Fig. l, the modification consisting primarily in the use of a stationary pot 66 instead of the swinging pot 10, the pot 66 being mounted in a suitable heater casing shown in part at 67. With this construction, the top wall 68 of the pot, has, at its forward end, a large opening 69, bordered by walls having an angular surface 70. A pipe for the introduction of inert gas is shown at 34. This is similar to the pipe 34 illustrated in Fig. l.

Slidably mounted on this angular surface is a gooseneck, guiding plate 71, having a large oblong rectangular opening 72 therein. At 73, l have diagrammatically illustrated a gooseneck assemblage, including a shelf 74, shaped to fit snugly but slidably in the opening 72, the gooseneck proper including an end 76 protruding upwardly through the shelf 74 and having a nozzle 77 coupled therewith. The assemblage 73 also includes an upwardly extending sleeve portion 78, on which an arm 79, similar to the arm 21, is mounted, the pivot of the arm 79 being indicated at 80.

At 81 is indicated the piston plunger operating in the `unit for discharge of the moltenmetal through the gooseneck 75 and nozzle 77. The various parts of this mechanism is not specifically described, as it is generally known in the art and forms no part of the present invention.

The top wall'6S of the pot 66 has an opening 82, in which an ingot 32', similar to the ingot 32, is snugly fitted for vertical movement into the pot in replenishing the feed of metal to the pot for melting in maintaining a level of molten magnesium substantially on the level line 26', noted in Fig. 2 of the drawing. In other words, by maintaining the pot 66 stationary, the ingot 32' is free to move without jamming in the vertical direction and through the medium of control mechanism, such as shown in Fig. la.

It will be understood that suitable means will be provided, similar to the pipe 34, for supplying inert gas to the chamber 33' above the level 26', as well as the introduction of a pyrometer, similar to the pyrometer 35. While the pot 66 is maintained stationary, the gooseneck assemblage 73 is still swung on the pivot 80 in moving the nozzle 77 toward and from the die, as with the structure shown `in Fig. 1. In this movement, the plate 71 slides over the surface 79 and the assemblage 73 moves vertically in the aperture or opening 72. Plate 71 moves a distance less than the area of pot 66 on which said plate rests, thus insuring that no opening in the top of pot 66 results when the end 76 of the gooseneck 75 disengages from nozzle 77. By proper finish of the engaging surfaces, substantially no leak of the inert gas will prevail between 71 and 70 and 74 and 72. Further, the close fit of the ingot 32 in the aperture 82 will further effect a greater seal, thereby, economizing on the consumption of the inert gas which is employed.

Another advantage in the method of procedure, as disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing, resides in the fact that no agitation of the molten metal takes placein the pot, this, in contrast, to the movement which would prevail with the structure as shown in Fig. l of the drawing.

The opening 69 in the stationary pot 66 issuiciently large` to compensate for the free swinging movement of the gooseneck unit or assemblage 73.

With an apparatus of the type and kind under consideration, it will be apparent that the intermittent feed of the supply material will be consistent with the size of castings formed in the dies. Where relatively large castings are produced, the automatic feed will be more frequent than with the production of relatively small castings. In all cases, the level point of the molten metal in the pot will vary within predetermined limits controlled by the oat mechanism and the electrical or other actuating medium which is operated thereby. With different types and kinds of machines with respect to capacity, the size of the ingot will be varied. In the same manner, the structure of the governor will be proportionately varied to compensate for the increased or decreased weight of the ingot employed.

Having fully described my invention, whatl I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In machines for producing magnesium die castings, an assemblage including a pot for containing molten magnesium, means comprising a gooseneck and pump for discharging molten magnesium from the pot into the cavity of a pair of dies, means for maintaining a predetermined level of molten magnesium in the pot with a chamber above said level, means for maintaining inert gas in the chamber above the level of molten magnesium, the pot including a top wall having an aperture therein, means comprising an automatic feed mechanism for supporting an ingot of magnesium in and above the aperture in said top wall of the pot, said level maintaining means including a float operating upon the molten metal in the pot, said oat actuating means rendering said feed mechaism operative to feed the supported ingot into the pot in replenishing supply of magnesium and in maintaining said level of molten magnesium in the pot, said first named means comprising gooseneck and pump assemblage arranged in an opening in the upper portion of the pot adjacent one end thereof, said assemblage including a plate adapted to slidably engage the pot on Walls bordering said opening, and said pot assemblage slidably engaging said plate in swinging movement of said gooseneck and pump assemblage in said pot.

2. In a machine for producing magnesium die castings of the class having a pot for molten magnesium, means for maintaining a predetermined level of molten magnesum in the pot with a chamber above said level, means for maintaining an inert gas in said chamber, a gooseneck and pump assemblage arranged in an opening in said pot for discharging molten magnesium from the pot into the cavity of a pair of dies, said assemblage pivotally supported to permit said gooseneck to engage and disengage said dies, the combination of a plate adapted to slidably engage said pot on walls bordering said opening, said plate having an opening therein adapted to snugly but movably receive a supporting shelf surrounding said gooseneck and pump assemblage to permit said assemblage to move freely around its pivot point while maintaining a gas seal on said chamber.

3. In a machine for producing die castings of the class having a pot for molten metal, means for maintaining a predetermined level of molten metal in the pot with a chamber above said level, means for maintaining an inert gas in said chamber, a gooseneck and pump assemblage l for discharging molten metal from the pot into the cavity of a pair of dies, said assemblage pivotally supported to permit said gooseneck to engage and disengage said dies, the combination of a plate adapted to slidably engage said pot on walls bordering said opening, said plate having an opening therein adapted to snugly but movably receive a shelf surrounding said gooseneck and pump assemblage to permit said assemblage to move freely around its pivot point while maintaining a gas seal on said chamber.

4. In amachine for producing magnesium die castings of the class having a pot for molten magnesium, means for maintaining a predetermined level of molten magnesium in the pot with a chamber above said level, means for maintaining an insert gas in said chamber, a gooseneck vand pump assemblage arranged in an opening in said pot for discharging molten magnesium from the pot into the cavity of a pair of dies, said assemblage pivotally supported to permit said gooseneck to engage and disengage said dies, a plate adapted to slidably engage said pot on Walls bordering said opening, said plate having an opening therein adapted to snugly but movably receive a shelf surrounding said gooseneck and pump assemblage, said plate and shelf adapted to permit said assemblage to move around its pivot point and yet maintain a 'gas seal on said chamber.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,032,306 Spencer July 9, 1912 1,390,140 Knoop Sept. 6, 1921 1,417,440 Zenke May 23, 1922 1,607,677 Korsmo Nov. 23, 1926 1,631,014 Cox May 31, 1927 1,782,248 Wagner Nov. 18, 1930 1,912,981 Hoy June 6, 1933 1,923,214 Korsmo Aug. 22, 1933 2,090,316 Topp Aug. 17, 1937 2,194,282 Iohannesen et al Mar. 29, 1940 2,215,043 Jung etal Sept. 17, 1940 2,224,977 Morin Dec. 17, 1940 2,230,513 Nichols Feb. 4, 1941 2,245,275 Jung et a1 June 10, 1941 2,526,753 Huck Oct. 24, 1950 2,660,769

Bennett Dec. 1, 1953 

